Well, OK, San Francisco Gate says the move is largely ceremonial, but still, it’s always good to hear the governor make it official.
Brown’s announcement does away with his 2014 drought emergency order that set in place strict water use guidelines that were unprecedented in the state’s history. However, Californians are a tough lot, and proved their mettle, sacrificing green lawns and leaving their cars unwashed as water conservation became a way of life.
Following a series of powerful storms fed by subtropical moisture that began near the end of December and continued on into February, even Digital Journal was asking, “Does this mean the drought is over?”
And while the governor’s strict conservation rules have been dropped, as of today, the Brown administration reminds people that now is not the time to turn your water spigot on and let it run down the drain. Some bans will remain in place, such as hosing down driveways and outdoor watering within 48 hours of rain, reports the Sacramento Bee.
Additionally, state officials are still working on a long-term water conservation policy, in part, based on the emergency rules. And this policy is absolutely necessary, because as Brown said on Friday, “This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the corner.” Cities and water districts throughout the state will be required to continue reporting their water usage each month.
